National services & helplines
Our helpline and support page provides access to various national helplines offering confidential help and advice.
Emergencies and urgent care
Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire):
Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency or if a crime is in progress.
Police (non-emergency):
Call 101 when you need to contact the police but an immediate response is not required.
NHS 111:
Call 111 for urgent medical help or advice when it’s not a 999 emergency. They can direct you to the right service.
National grid:
Operates the UK’s high-voltage electricity transmission network, ensuring power is safely and reliably delivered across the country.
For emergencies or power outages, call 105 or 0800 6783 105, available 24/7.
Mental health and emotional support
Shout:
Offers confidential, non-judgmental emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is struggling to cope or has suicidal thoughts.
Text: 85258
Samaritans:
Offers confidential, non-judgmental emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is struggling to cope or has suicidal thoughts.
Call: 116 123
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM):
Offers confidential, non-judgmental emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is struggling to cope or has suicidal thoughts.
Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily)
SANEline:
A national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance, and information to anyone affected by mental illness.
Call: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10pm daily)
Papyrus HOPELINEUK:
A suicide prevention helpline for people under the age of 35 who are having thoughts of suicide, or for anyone concerned about a young person.
Call: 0800 068 4141 (24/7)
Drinkaware:
Offering free, confidential support and advice if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking
Call: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10pm daily)
Call: 0300 123 1110
The Salvation Army:
Working to support people in crisis (including homelessness, poverty and modern slavery) with practical help and referrals across the UK.
Call: 24-hour helpline on 0300 303 8151
Men’s minds matter:
Dedicated to preventing suicide and improving mental health among men.
Online form on their website.
Support for children and young people
Childline:
A free, confidential service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday to talk about any problem.
Call: 0800 1111 (24/7)
The Mix:
Provides free, confidential support and counselling for young people under 25.
Call: 0808 808 4994 (4pm–11pm daily)
YoungMinds:
A national mental health charity offering guidance, resources and emotional support for young people and families.
Call: 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri)
Specialist support & advice lines
National Domestic Abuse Helpline:
A free, 24-hour helpline for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line:
Confidential advice and support for men who have experienced domestic violence and abuse.
Call: 0808 801 0327 (Monday-Friday, 10am–5pm)
Age UK:
Offers information and advice for older people.
Call: 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm daily)
NSPCC:
For any adult concerned about a child’s safety and wellbeing.
Call: 0808 800 5000
Trussell:
Supporting people facing food insecurity with emergency food banks and advice on wider support.
Call: 0808 208 2138 (Mon–Fri)
Shelter:
A housing and homelessness charity providing advice and emergency support for anyone struggling with housing issues.
Call: 0808 800 4444